Healthy Family Connections

Episode Description: What do you do when you’re struggling in a relationship and almost anything you say, ends up in an argument?  Neil explains how the pattern is the same in many different situations, what to do about it, and why it works.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: What do you do when your adopted young adult child can’t take care of themselves, you don’t want to put them out on the street, and you’re out of options? Neil, along with co-host Robin, respond to this mother’s dilemma, and discuss how adoption conditions and accurate assessments will impact child development. But all is not lost, as critical next steps are offered up.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: This episode responds to a mom who was hoping for a better school year with her now 15 year old ADHD son. But it’s the same old story of getting him to do his work, deciphering excuses, and withdrawing privileges. In this episode, Neil and Co-Host Robin explore the difference between trying to understand what’s wrong with a youth or the situation, to trying to understand what might be missing and what to do about it. It’s moving from a pathology based model to a wellness model with lots of optimism and ideas for this mom.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a mother who is confused about whether or not to require her 13 year old daughter and 9 year old son to visit or stay with their father.  While it’s clear from Mom that neither child feels emotionally safe, supported or even wanted by their father, she has felt compelled to go by the legal order or agreement. The discussion covers when and when not to require kids to go by a schedule and why, too often, women in particular don’t trust their own judgment.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a therapist looking for ways to deal with dads who expect their kids to do what they're told -- and become angry when they don’t get the response they expect. Neil shares his best strategies.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a woman concerned about her living situation with her partner and his young adult daughter. The daughter is not working or going to school, and has chased away other girlfriends of her father. Neil and Robin discuss the phenomenon of pathological enmeshment: what it is, where it comes from, and what to do about it.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a Mom whose 17 year old son doesn’t want to talk to her, and wants to move out as soon as he turns 18. This podcast explores the cultural elements of parenting as well as ways to interpret the expressions of teenagers and the opportunities for personal growth and healing as we grow our parenting skills.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a therapist looking for guidance about when to send or not send a depressed or anxious teenager to school. Neil clarifies the roles of parents, doctors, therapists, school personnel, and most importantly, an empowered role for the youth. Neil adds that the skills in Motivational Interviewing and CBT can be powerful tools for parents.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, discuss a New York Times article by Matt Richtel. It’s titled 10 Psychiatric Drugs While in High School, And She Was Far From Alone. The discussion looks at the medicalization of emotional issues and mental health, and explores ways to create a mentally healthier society for our youth. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to questions from a mom concerned that her efforts to offer advice to her adult children has led to hurt feelings and misunderstandings. Mother is Indian and reports that advice giving from elders is expected. Neil and Robin offer a new way for this mom to think about her adult children’s emotional needs and open up the discussion of cultural transformation.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to questions from a mom about her ADHD son who resists parental limits, stays up late on devices and overall, is going in the wrong direction. Neil offers a model that focuses on helping the youth grow his executive functioning skills and seeks to build a parent/youth coalition to that end. Neil suggests Dr. Honos-Webb’s book, 6 Super Skills for Executive Functioning as a resource for parents and teens.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit. 

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a Mom, rightfully concerned that her 16 year old daughter is giving cannabis to her 14 year old son. Daughter is on probation, yet Mom can’t get support from probation or law enforcement to hold her accountable. Neil and Robin discuss what a healthy juvenile probation department can do and how they can support families. Neil offers Mom a plan for getting the support she needs. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode, Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to questions from a mom about her young adult son who's been diagnosed with depression and OCD.  This young man is on medication and getting counseling, but is not engaging with the family or doing anything productive. Neil offers that the situation is entirely hopeful if they don’t just wait for things to change. Neil describes a therapeutic approach that will work and tells us why. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode, Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a mother who is very worried about her anxious and depressed 15 year old daughter.  She doesn’t want to add to her stress, but is concerned that her daughter is not moving forward. Mom has had anxiety all her life and wants her daughter to learn the coping skills she has. Neil and Robin explore the synergistic impact of mother and daughter’s anxiety and what it will take to get unstuck and moving forward.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode, Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to questions from a mom about her teenagers’ anger towards their parents. Neil and Robin provide insight into adolescent behavior and provide perspective and recommendations to address their specific behaviors.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a mother who is concerned that her well functioning 16-year-old daughter has suddenly become oppositional. Neil and Robin help this mother see her daughter’s behavior in a more empathetic way and give her some ideas and skills for moving forward.  Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a mother who is worried about her 17-year-old son who is easily provoked and makes violent threats against other kids. Together, Neil and Robin discuss the origins of such destructive behavior, what treatment options would be most effective, and what the parents can do to help. Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, respond to a counselor needing guidance for how to work with parents who refuse to accept that their teenager’s gender identity has transitioned from male to female.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit.

Episode Description: In this episode, Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a widow who is left to manage her relationship with her abusive adult son on her own.  Before answering her questions, Neil and Robin address the tragedy in Uvalde, TX and the trauma this brings across the US.   Neil offers the mother a set of goals, including getting her son into treatment, plus a strategy and some skills for helping her be successful in this challenging situation.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit

Episode Description: In this episode Neil, along with his co-host Robin, responds to a husband wondering what to do about the lack of connection and affection in his marriage. He and his wife have three children and demanding careers, so being tired and busy is understandable. But counseling, and having some dates, hasn’t changed anything. This invites a discussion of the role of women in our culture as well as some clear steps this man can take to shift away from blame and entitlement to authentic connection.   Have a question for Neil? Submit it now for discussion on a future episode of The Healthy Family Connections Podcast: http://neildbrown.com/submit